How to Build a Grocery Ordering and Delivery App Like Grofers?

The way we shop for groceries has undergone a massive transformation, driven by the convenience of online platforms. This shift in consumer behavior, from crowded aisles and heavy bags to the ease of online ordering, has created a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to capitalize on the growing demand for online grocery delivery services, like the one pioneered by Grofers.

What is Grofers?

Grofers is a leading online grocery delivery platform that allows users to order fresh produce, household staples, and other items from the comfort of their homes. The app connects customers with a network of stores and delivers groceries within a designated timeframe. Grofers' success story highlights the immense potential of the online grocery delivery market and serves as a blueprint for building a similar app.

Success Story of Grocery Ordering and Delivery Platform Grofers

The story of Grofers, now known as Blinkit, is a journey of innovation and adaptation in the Indian e-commerce market. Here are some highlights of their success:

Founding and Early Days (2013):

• Founded by Albinder Dhindsa and Saurabh Kumar, Grofers initially focused on on-demand pick-up and drop-off services, partnering with local stores.
• They pivoted to grocery delivery in 2014, starting with businesses in Gurugram.

Growth and Funding (2014-2021):

• Grofers secured funding from several investors, achieving unicorn status (valuation over $1 billion) in 2021.
• The company scaled rapidly, expanding to over 38 Indian cities and processing over a lakh of daily orders.

Shift to Quick Commerce and Acquisition (2021-present):

• In late 2021, Grofers rebranded as Blinkit, reflecting their focus on super-fast deliveries within 10 minutes.
• Zomato, the Indian food delivery giant, acquired Blinkit in 2022, providing further resources for growth.

Current Status:

• Blinkit remains a major player in the Indian e-grocery space, competing with established names like BigBasket and Amazon.

Business Model of Grofers

Grofer has shifted its hyperlocal delivery service to an inventory-based delivery model to ensure its business success quickly.

The new business model of Grofers focuses on three components, that is:

• Inventory
• Customers
• Delivery Providers

Check the procedure of the new business model of Grofers:

• Users place an order.
• It goes to the warehouse, where Grofers staff check the item before packing to ensure excellent product offerings to the customer.
• The delivery executives pick up the order from the warehouse
• Delivery providers deliver the order to customers' doorsteps

The inventory-based business model helped Grofers build its ground again in the on-demand grocery ordering and delivery service.

Revenue Model of Grofers:

Grofers’ inventory-based business model helps the company to provide outstanding delivery service to end-users. All the items sold on Grofers are stored in its warehouse, the company uses its infrastructure to store and deliver items.?

The company charges Commission on every item, sold through its platform, which is the main source of their revenue.?

Additionally, the company has also invested in original labels, to show its participation in the online ordering and delivery market. This also adds another revenue stream to them.?

Why You Should Consider Building an Online Grocery Delivery App Like Grofers

The online grocery delivery market is experiencing phenomenal growth, driven by factors like:

• Increasing Internet penetration and smartphone usage
• Busy lifestyles and a growing demand for convenience
• Growing awareness of health and emphasis on fresh produce

By building a user-friendly and efficient grocery delivery app, you can tap into this thriving market and cater to the needs of today's time-pressed consumers.

Features Required To Build a Grocery Delivery App Like Grofers

• User Registration and Profile Management
• User-friendly Interface
• Extensive Product Catalog
• Advanced Search and Filters
• Multiple Payment Options
• Real-time Order Tracking
• Delivery Slot Selection
• Loyalty Programs and Discounts
• Review and Rating Feature

How To Build a Grocery Delivery App Like Grofers?

Once you have made up your mind about creating a grocery ordering and delivery app like Grofers, the second question that comes to mind is, what will be the possible ways of building it?

Don’t worry let me explain about it.

You have two options for creating an app like Grofers, and are as listed:

1. Building an app from scratch
2. Using readymade ecommerce solutions.

Let's discuss each approach in detail.

Though the first method above seems to be a good option, as it provides complete control over customization, adding features and functionality, but comes with a significant number of limitations like:

• The process of developing an app from scratch is time-consuming.
• Is an expensive method of app development, as you will need to integrate multiple APIs and more.
• Scalability and maintenance can be an issue in the future as the business grows.

Alternatively, if you choose a readymade e-commerce solution like Growcer, it will help you to overcome all the above-mentioned limitations that you will face if developing an app from scratch.?

Growcer is a market-ready solution, pre-integrated with all essential features and functionalities, to launch a grocery delivery app like Grofers in a few days, to weeks, thus reducing the product time to market.?

Why choosing Growcer can be the best option for building a grocery delivery app like Grofers?

• It is a self-hosted and 100% white-label solution. This gives you complete freedom to build and maintain your marketplace.
• Fully customizable and scalable as per your business needs
• Lifetime license with source code ownership.
• Integrated with 14+ APIs.
• Free technical support.
• GDPR compliant

Wrapping up

Building an app like Grofers can be a great way to enter the growing online grocery ordering and delivery market. However careful consideration of things like features and functionality, logistics, etc. is very important.

Feel free to contact us if you need more details!!